COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION
MEMBERS: Stewart-Cousins, Chair, Oros, Abinanti, Maisano and Ryan
BOL: Steve Bass, Ann Giordano, David Simpson, and Richard Wishnie
GUESTS: Bill Randolph (CEO), Karen Pasquale (CEO), Darryl Gibbs (Cynthia’s Law) Carol Holman (Cynthia’s Law), Rosemary MacLaughlin (LWV), Anne Bozel(DSS), Nancy Travers (DSS), James Cannon (Probation)
Chairwoman, Andrea Stewart-Cousins called the meeting to
order at
Chairwoman Stewart-Cousins opened the meeting welcoming Darryl Gibbs and Carol Holman who came to talk about Cynthia’s Law. Mr. Gibbs, Cynthia’s father, and a constituent is active in the community. Carol Holman is Cynthia Gibbs’ godmother. After Cynthia’s death at the hands of her baby sitter, the two authored the law to allow a person, who kills a baby by shaking, to be prosecuted for murder. Mr. Gibbs and Ms. Holman advised that, at present, 21 states have a “murder by child abuse” law in place. New York State does not, but the State Legislature can institute the change. Chair Stewart-Cousins invited the family to discuss their legislative initiative for possible inclusion in the County’s Legislative Package.
Minutes from the Jan. 30th and Feb. 4th meeting were read. Abinanti and Oros moved to approve the Jan. 30th minutes. Ryan and Abinanti made a motion to approve the February 4th minutes.
The second discussion featured a presentation by representatives from the Department of Social Services and the Department of Probation about the changes to the PINS (persons in need of supervision). The discussion focused on the possible future impact on the county’s ability to serve the increased population due to the
COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION
MINUTES – FEBRUARY 11, 2002
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state’s raising of the age limit for PINS designation from 16 to up to age 18. The discussion centered on the increased service mandate without the requisite state funding or the mandated involvement of parents.
A subsequent discussion centered on TAP educational grants, and the state’s new proposal that TANF funds be used to fund TAP awards, and that 1/3 of the TAP award be given to the student after graduation.
All of the items were discussed for possible inclusion in the Legislative Package which, the committee, proceeded to work into a spreadsheet with the assistance of Program Specialists Bass and Simpson. The committee attempted to determine which items were legislative, budgetary, county driven or of statewide concern.
Questions were also raised about the E-911 item submitted for consideration. Staff will look into how wireless emergency calls are presently handled and advise the committee.
Chairwoman Stewart-Cousins accepted a motion to adjourn by Oros and Maisano seconded the motion.
Meeting of the Legislation committee was adjourned at 1:50 p.m.